Chronic Car Buyers Anonymous (Archived)

stickguy

Not uncommon for a VW 1.8t engine to occasionally need some oil added.

qbrozen

explorerx4 said:

Charger and Challenger are made in Brampton Ont.

And produced by a Dutch-based company.

tifighter

Wasn't FCA technically based in London for awhile?

oldfarmer50

ab348 said:

Some of you lease buyout flippers should offer consulting services to this guy:

https://boston.cbslocal.com/2021/07/14/increasing-used-car-values/

Something similar happened to a farmer friend of mine on a tractor lease. Turns out the dealer had made a bad guess on residual value and when she decided to buy it at the end of the lease they refused to honor the contract. Their excuse was that the tractor was worth much more than the RV they agreed to,

She created quite a stink and threatened to file complaints with every government agency around and return the tractor dragging a sign telling everyone what crooks the dealers were. They relented and honored the contract.

I don’t see how in this dealer can enforce an arbitrary change in the agreement especially since they were the ones that drafted it. No court would would side with them and I’m sure they know it. I think hard ball is in order.

oldfarmer50

rny421 said:

@stickguy - If I recall correctly, I think you're referring to the potential of moving to the Albany area. If you're looking to get away from New Jersey's high property taxes, New York ain't it. I'm not super familiar with the Albany market, but we're in the Rochester area, and depending on the specific town, property taxes are 3% - 5% of assessed value per year. If you build, you're at the mercy of the town assessor who decides what your brand new build is worth. We're in a suburb, about 2,300 SF and our property taxes are $12.5K per year and this isn't even NYC/Long Island. It used to be that the cost of real estate (aside from property taxes) was at least reasonable to account for our lower wages/cost of living, but the last two years the real estate market has exploded like everywhere else.

I tried to sell him my shack…..er……estate near Albany some time ago but he was too fancy to go for it. Maybe he would go for my neighbor’s house:


It has a three car garage that’s bigger than my house. I think it went for $1.2 million a few years ago but even in this crazy market I’m sure he could swing it.

mjfloyd1

@qbrozen

How did I do on second 4xe?

Price is employee price +$200 so $947 more than Gupton.

Trade on 2020 X3 m40i is $49901 which is a guaranteed amount as long as I don’t put more than 5000 miles extra on it while waiting for 4xe. This was $1600 more than any online offer plus I get sales tax savings on the trade in amount.

Doc fees are $199 vs $499 at Gupton.

I’m happy with the deal. Wasn’t it Terry who said “the difference is the difference “?

andres3

mjfloyd1 said:

Behold the Peeler

https://www.wheeloutletnj.com/products/19-20-inch-peeler-audi-s4-wheels

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/752121-Black-Peelers-installed-with-pics

Uggg!!!! The all-black look is so played out and 2000 and late!

$1,000 bucks for a wheel from a NJ outlet? I wonder if it's "OEM" quality? No weight in the specs.

Anyone have experience with curb rash wheel repair recently? Success/cost?

Sandman6472

We have the Spark at work and I really don't mind them. A bit slow off the line and when pushed, that engine screams out in pain but eventually, one does get up to speed. Seriously think it really could use a small turbo to help the driving dynamics. Most of the drivers run from them but I never have an issue driving one and when there is one to be moved, I usually take it. I like the size though it is on the smaller side but enough room for me. Now, would I ever put it on my short list? That's an interesting question and just not sure, it just needs something more, something, to make it something I'd want to own. Not even sure how they're priced as I've never ever checked. But with my limited garage space, it definitely would work. Think they have 15" alloys which would be a deal killer for me honestly, give me at least 16" rims and I'd be more willing to own one.

Sandman6472

Again, my mechanic isn't the one who's put the extra oil in the A3, it's been the Audi store each time, either here at home or in Orlando. My new mechanic has only fixed one leak in both vehicles, the recent ones. I got his name from a co-worker and I like him and am sure if would've taken care of everything if he had seen it. We'll be taking the A3 into him in a matter of weeks so he can fix whatever coolant issue there is. Plus, we'll also replace those couple of tires that need to be done. The A3 is really a great vehicle and she likes it. At 63K, still has plenty of life left in her and she still looks great.

mjfloyd1

andres3 said:

mjfloyd1 said:

Behold the Peeler

https://www.wheeloutletnj.com/products/19-20-inch-peeler-audi-s4-wheels

https://www.audizine.com/forum/showthread.php/752121-Black-Peelers-installed-with-pics

Uggg!!!! The all-black look is so played out and 2000 and late!

$1,000 bucks for a wheel from a NJ outlet? I wonder if it's "OEM" quality? No weight in the specs.

Anyone have experience with curb rash wheel repair recently? Success/cost?

$949 for a set of four "factory style" = reproduction wheels.

They may actually be carrot peelers

Cost of refurbishing a wheels varies by location. You probably have independent guys in so cal who do it relatively cheap. Otherwise ask a car dealer who they use and when they come to the lot. Drop by that day and get a price.

fintail

Catfish. From what I have read, the refinement isn't as avant garde as the styling.

ab348 said:

qbrozen said:

Hyundai must be KILLIN it with this new Sonata. I see multiple each day on the road, and I don't drive very much.

It could be that the catfish-like face just traumatizes you and sticks in your mind every time you see one.

qbrozen

mjfloyd1 said:

@qbrozen

How did I do on second 4xe?

Price is employee price +$200 so $947 more than Gupton.

Trade on 2020 X3 m40i is $49901 which is a guaranteed amount as long as I don’t put more than 5000 miles extra on it while waiting for 4xe. This was $1600 more than any online offer plus I get sales tax savings on the trade in amount.

Doc fees are $199 vs $499 at Gupton.

I’m happy with the deal. Wasn’t it Terry who said “the difference is the difference “?

how many miles and what color and condition on the BMW?

mjfloyd1

12365 miles
Glacier silver
Excellent condition- no issues. Had a service at bmw dealer at 7200 miles so not due till 17200 miles

qbrozen

So, all in all, a deal that doesn’t hurt anyone involved. $650 more than gupton but probably closer to you, right? And you get to drive there, leave a vehicle, and drive out. Trade value is fair. Should be a $51k auction vehicle. But who knows what it will be in 6-7 weeks when your order arrives.

qbrozen

Mine is pretty close now. Seems like tomorrow should be achievable.

xwesx

That's a little scary, @qbrozen . Is that showing that you can track your vehicle?!

qbrozen

@xwesx said:
That's a little scary, @qbrozen . Is that showing that you can track your vehicle?!

Yup. It is part of the Uconnect system.

mjfloyd1

@qbrozen said:
So, all in all, a deal that doesn’t hurt anyone involved. $650 more than gupton but probably closer to you, right? And you get to drive there, leave a vehicle, and drive out. Trade value is fair. Should be a $51k auction vehicle. But who knows what it will be in 6-7 weeks when your order arrives.

Thanks.

I already put 1k miles on it going to smoky mountains so I have 4000 more freebie miles to go.

All the online places hit it at 46-47k now so I think it is at least fair-ish given that it will be probably 6 weeks to get the 4xe as you had said. Sales tax savings is almost $3500.

Definitely closer by 2.5 hours one way.

Thanks again

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

Mine is pretty close now. Seems like tomorrow should be achievable.

It’s kind of like kids waiting for Santa and Tracking him with NORAD radar.

qbrozen

Why the heck am I so attracted to Benzes when all they ever do is give me trouble?

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3z2y7EzJ/1999-mercedesbenz-e300-turbodiesel

stickguy

Gorgeous car. Love the colors. Just a guess, but after the charger, you might find it a tad pokey.

oldfarmer50

qbrozen said:

Why the heck am I so attracted to Benzes when all they ever do is give me trouble?

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3z2y7EzJ/1999-mercedesbenz-e300-turbodiesel

That’s a nice looking car with not terrible mileage for a diesel. You wouldn’t have to retrofit that to comply with current diesel emissions standards, would you? If not you could get quite a few years of fun out if it and even run it on hamburger grease if you wanted.

$5000 is already the limit I’d pay. What do you figure it will go for?

qbrozen

oldfarmer50 said:

qbrozen said:

Why the heck am I so attracted to Benzes when all they ever do is give me trouble?

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3z2y7EzJ/1999-mercedesbenz-e300-turbodiesel

That’s a nice looking car with not terrible mileage for a diesel. You wouldn’t have to retrofit that to comply with current diesel emissions standards, would you? If not you could get quite a few years of fun out if it and even run it on hamburger grease if you wanted.

$5000 is already the limit I’d pay. What do you figure it will go for?

Something stupid. I'll guess $12k.

I think $7500-$8k is not unreasonable.

nyccarguy

stickguy said:

Gorgeous car. Love the colors. Just a guess, but after the charger, you might find it a tad pokey.

The Charger AND the ML63 AMG - It will be like he has to get out of the car and push.

qbrozen

stickguy said:

Gorgeous car. Love the colors. Just a guess, but after the charger, you might find it a tad pokey.

You should experience me driving the Fiat. That poor thing must hate me.

nyccarguy

Clutch is killing it. He just added a dealer in the South. Good for those who live east if the mighty Mississippi. Cheaper shipping and less waiting (once it arrives on the ground).

tjc78

Ahh.. stone hit the windshield in the S60 last night. At least an 8” crack… great

nyccarguy

I just saw a Red Hyundai Veloster N. Very sharp looking car. Reminds me of a more modern MazdaSpeed 3. Black 5 Spoke Wheels. My biggest problem with it, aside from the fact that it looks like there is next to zero outward rear visibility is that the wheels seem to stick out from the rubber band tires.

Michaell

qbrozen said:

Why the heck am I so attracted to Benzes when all they ever do is give me trouble?

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/3z2y7EzJ/1999-mercedesbenz-e300-turbodiesel

That is a nice example.

But, you're right - it will likely sell for something north of $10K.

corvette

I was also thinking $10k+.

breld

mjfloyd1 said:

@qbrozen said:

So, all in all, a deal that doesn’t hurt anyone involved. $650 more than gupton but probably closer to you, right? And you get to drive there, leave a vehicle, and drive out. Trade value is fair. Should be a $51k auction vehicle. But who knows what it will be in 6-7 weeks when your order arrives.

Thanks.

I already put 1k miles on it going to smoky mountains so I have 4000 more freebie miles to go.

All the online places hit it at 46-47k now so I think it is at least fair-ish given that it will be probably 6 weeks to get the 4xe as you had said. Sales tax savings is almost $3500.

Definitely closer by 2.5 hours one way.

Thanks again

You got about $10k more than I did for my X3 which was 2 years older and about 10k more miles. So...seems about right. It does seem if I waited a bit longer I may have been able to squeeze out a little more...but hindsight being 20/20 and all that.

Michaell

The MB has 3+ hours left and is only at $5500. I'll guess the last 10 minutes will be fairly exciting.

jmonroe1

Sandman6472 said:

Again, my mechanic isn't the one who's put the extra oil in the A3, it's been the Audi store each time, either here at home or in Orlando. My new mechanic has only fixed one leak in both vehicles, the recent ones. I got his name from a co-worker and I like him and am sure if would've taken care of everything if he had seen it. We'll be taking the A3 into him in a matter of weeks so he can fix whatever coolant issue there is. Plus, we'll also replace those couple of tires that need to be done. The A3 is really a great vehicle and she likes it. At 63K, still has plenty of life left in her and she still looks great.

I think I found your problem…YOU.

When you want your car repaired you should tell your mechanic what you know about your problem. When a good mechanic knows what you know he’ll be better able to find your problem or at least know what he’ll have to be concentrating on.

When you help him, he’ll be better able to help you with the least amount of trauma and better results.

jmonroe

nyccarguy

Nobody is interested in the @breld blue 2017 Miata RF?

https://carsandbids.com/auctions/rGWmklwE/2017-mazda-mx-5-miata-rf-grand-touring

stickguy

Love the color. But would want light interior on a convertible. And I do want a Miata again, but much prefer the simple regular convertible version.

4 years old any only 800 miles? I’d worry about decay at that point!

stickguy

I used to work in fort Lee too!

nyccarguy

Here’s a bright interior color for you @stickguy - read the description for a good laugh.

https://www.carfax.com/vehicle/4USCH7323TLB66220?utm_source=facebook&utm_medium=paidsocial&utm_campaign=6224986527874&utm_content=Facebook_Mobile_Feed&partner=FBX_9&utm_term=6224986528074

stickguy

Well, people do call me Mr. sex appeal!

I do really like the car though. Just can’t tell what the fan shroud message is. I assume 11/08 is a timing belt change? But what’s -39, miles rolled back?

But looks like it lived on the north shore of LI all its life. So probably not neglected.

Wonder what it is really worth in a normal market?

ab348

jmonroe1 said:

Sandman6472 said:

Again, my mechanic isn't the one who's put the extra oil in the A3, it's been the Audi store each time, either here at home or in Orlando. My new mechanic has only fixed one leak in both vehicles, the recent ones. I got his name from a co-worker and I like him and am sure if would've taken care of everything if he had seen it. We'll be taking the A3 into him in a matter of weeks so he can fix whatever coolant issue there is. Plus, we'll also replace those couple of tires that need to be done. The A3 is really a great vehicle and she likes it. At 63K, still has plenty of life left in her and she still looks great.

I think I found your problem…YOU.

When you want your car repaired you should tell your mechanic what you know about your problem. When a good mechanic knows what you know he’ll be better able to find your problem or at least know what he’ll have to be concentrating on.

When you help him, he’ll be better able to help you with the least amount of trauma and better results.

jmonroe

That response seems pretty harsh, JM.

jmonroe1

ab348 said:

jmonroe1 said:

Sandman6472 said:

Again, my mechanic isn't the one who's put the extra oil in the A3, it's been the Audi store each time, either here at home or in Orlando. My new mechanic has only fixed one leak in both vehicles, the recent ones. I got his name from a co-worker and I like him and am sure if would've taken care of everything if he had seen it. We'll be taking the A3 into him in a matter of weeks so he can fix whatever coolant issue there is. Plus, we'll also replace those couple of tires that need to be done. The A3 is really a great vehicle and she likes it. At 63K, still has plenty of life left in her and she still looks great.

I think I found your problem…YOU.

When you want your car repaired you should tell your mechanic what you know about your problem. When a good mechanic knows what you know he’ll be better able to find your problem or at least know what he’ll have to be concentrating on.

When you help him, he’ll be better able to help you with the least amount of trauma and better results.

jmonroe

That response seems pretty harsh, JM.

I guess the truth hurts and life’s a b*tch and stuff like that.

jmonroe

henryn

I put up the old steel wheels from the 2013 work truck on Craigslist, and someone just gave me $50 for the set. Not a fortune, but better than throwing them away. And lowers my net cost on upgrading to the aluminum wheels.

mjfloyd1

I still have the under on stick and I’ll take the under on Sandy too

jmonroe1

I think punches from relatives count in here. Like a close relative, Son #1. If things go as planed this afternoon he’s getting a used Denali from Carvana.

TO BE CONTINUED (maybe).

jmonroe

qbrozen

jmonroe1 said:

I think punches from relatives count in here. Like a close relative, Son #1. If things go as planed this afternoon he’s getting a used Denali from Carvana.

TO BE CONTINUED (maybe).

jmonroe

Denali is a trim. What is the model?

stickguy

What do I have to do? Buy a car by tomorrow?

Considering we leave for vacation early AM and i am far from prepared, not likely to happen!

I did just watch a review on the new frontier. Looks like a huge improvement. Might try one of those too, just to see if it feels too big now.

kyfdx

henryn said:

I put up the old steel wheels from the 2013 work truck on Craigslist, and someone just gave me $50 for the set. Not a fortune, but better than throwing them away. And lowers my net cost on upgrading to the aluminum wheels.

I had a set of aftermarket alloys for a 3-Series, that I couldn't give away. I ended up selling them for scrap for $60.

jmonroe1

qbrozen said:

jmonroe1 said:

I think punches from relatives count in here. Like a close relative, Son #1. If things go as planed this afternoon he’s getting a used Denali from Carvana.

TO BE CONTINUED (maybe).

jmonroe

Denali is a trim. What is the model?

Good question. I’m not sure but I will by nightfall. However, if the punch doesn’t count what difference does it make? I know you guys like suspense.

jmonroe

henryn

kyfdx said:

henryn said:

I put up the old steel wheels from the 2013 work truck on Craigslist, and someone just gave me $50 for the set. Not a fortune, but better than throwing them away. And lowers my net cost on upgrading to the aluminum wheels.

I had a set of aftermarket alloys for a 3-Series, that I couldn't give away. I ended up selling them for scrap for $60.

I have the impression that people who buy BMWs usually have money to burn, at least compared to most. As such, why would they be interested in used wheels off Craigslist?

Now a Ford truck, especially an older work truck, those kinds of buyers are definitely craigslist / thrift store /garage sale kinds of people.

oldfarmer50

Looks like that 1999 diesel Benz sold for only $7300.

mjfloyd1

@stickguy said:
What do I have to do? Buy a car by tomorrow?

Considering we leave for vacation early AM and i am far from prepared, not likely to happen!

I did just watch a review on the new frontier. Looks like a huge improvement. Might try one of those too, just to see if it feels too big now.

Tomorrow works. Or the day after